The Metro reports that the move for the former Sampdoria striker could pave the way for the Argentinian’s proposed move to the Premier League, and with Rafael Benitez’s side implicated by Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations, the deal could happen sooner rather than later.

Liverpool: The players linked with a move to Anfield during the latest transfer window

Liverpool: The players linked with a move to Anfield during the latest transfer window

1/13
Petr Cech

With Simon Mignolet unconvincing and Brad Jones a deputy lacking clout, Liverpool need a new goalkeeper. Chelsea stopper Cech is looking for a new home having been pushed into second place by Thibaut Courtois and could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge if he really pushes for it. One of the best goalkeepers in the world, despite currently warming the bench, Chelsea will be reluctant to let him join a Premier League rival.

GETTY IMAGES

2/13
Guillermo Ochoa

According to some reports a £3m deal has already been thrashed out for Malaga stopper Ochoa. Interest in the 29-year-old was huge in the summer after a string of impressive performances at the World Cup with Mexico. The then free agent opted for a move to Spain but has struggled since.

EPA/MAURICIO DUENAS

3/13
John Ruddy

Another keeper linked with a move to Anfield is Ruddy. The 28-year-old just missed out on a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad for the World Cup but remains a well rated stopper. With Norwich currently plying their trade in the Championship after relegation last term, a quick return to the top-flight would be appealing.

GETTY IMAGES

4/13
Sergio Romero

Sampdoria goalkeeper Sergio Romero will be out of contract in the summer which has led to reports over where he will be playing in the near future. The Argentina international, who was part of the side that finished runners-up in the 2014 World Cup, has also been linked with Manchester City.

Getty Images

5/13
Ron Vlaar

Defending was not an area in which Liverpool excelled last season, despite their title tilt, so consequently Brendan Rodgers made moves to address the problem during the summer. However, it hasn't worked particularly well and Liverpool are understood to be keen to add reinforcements. Aston Villa centre-back Vlaar is a man in demand due to his consistent performances and the fact his contract will expire at the end of the season.

Getty Images

6/13
Fabio Coentrao

Left-back Coentrao has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid and to the Premier League for some time now with Manchester United usually the club named as his likely destination. However, Liverpool are also said to be in the mix.

Getty Images

7/13
Fabian Delph

Another Aston Villa player of interest to Liverpool is Delph. The central midfielder has begun to show why the Villains made such an effort to prise him away from Leeds United back in 2009. Reports suggest Rodgers could make a bid upwards of £10m for the 25-year-old.

GETTY IMAGES

8/13
Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema has been linked with a move to the Premier League for years, but instead he just keeps on scoring goals at a healthy rate for Real Madrid. That the Frenchman has lasted so long at the Bernabeu considering the Spanish club's preference for churning over the star names is testament to his ability. However, a reported £50m bid being readied by Liverpool might be enough for Los Blancos to say au revoir.

GETTY IMAGES

9/13
Jackson Martinez

Martinez was an integral part of the Colombia team that so impressed at the World Cup so it was inevitable his name would crop up in the transfer rumour mill. However, he remained at Porto over the summer but claims that he has a £27.5m release clause has seen interest return. Liverpool are reportedly ready to take the plunge, however they face competition from Roma and Arsenal for the 28-year-old.

Getty

10/13
Ezequiel Lavezzi

Lavezzi has 18 months to run on his contract and according to some sources PSG won't offer him another contract. That means they'll be keen to offload him sooner rather than later in order to avoid losing him for free. A fee of around £17m has been mentioned, with the 29-year-old forward perhaps set to become the latest Argentinian import into the Premier League.

GETTY IMAGES

11/13
Wilfried Bony

Brendan Rodgers were full of praise for Bony earlier this season, describing him as 'strong, powerful, and he gets goals'. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher is just as effusive. 'I hope Liverpool sign him [Bony]. He is worth £20m or £25m. I wish Liverpool got him this summer and I hope they're looking at him in the future,' said the former defender.

Getty

12/13
Gonzalo Higuain

The Napoli striker was close to a move to Arsenal two seasons ago before the Italian club blew their bid out of the water. However, they are now under financial pressure to balance the books, and the addition of Manolo Gabbiadini from Sampdoria has triggered talk that he could be on his way to Anfield for £30m.

GETTY IMAGES

13/13
Ogenyi Onazi

According to reports, Lazio have already turned down one bid from Liverpool for their young Nigerian striker. However, an offer of around £8m could tempt them to part with the 22-year-old who has started to find his feet in Serie A and has already made over 25 appearances for his national team. There are suggestions Fabio Borini could be used as a make-weight in any deal.

Getty Images

James Milner’sproposed move to Liverpool appears to be getting closer after talks reportedly stalled over a new contract with Manchester City. However, the Manchester Evening News claims that the England international will not move to Anfield until the end of the season when his contract expires, despite talk of Liverpool using his uncertain future to launch a bid in January.

Read more

The Reds are also being linked with a surprise move for Norwich midfielder Nathan Redmond after impressing for both the Canaries and England’s Under-21 side. The Daily Mail reports that the 20-year-old would be available for around £10m, and despite staying loyal to the Championship club following the relegation from the Premier League last season, their unconvincing form this campaign plus the change of managers has paved the way for Redmond to leave the club with Brendan Rodgers interested in the young talent.

James Milner celebrates scoring his team's first goal

HEADING FOR THE EXIT…

The same Daily Mail report suggests Oussama Assaidi will cut short his season-long loan with Stoke and leave Liverpool for good with a permanent move to a club in the Middle East. The 26-year-old Moroccan midfielder is reported to have held talks with clubs in the Gulf having been given permission by both Premier League clubs, and it appears that his Liverpool career will be brought to an end having made just 12 appearances.

Inter Milan want midfielder Lucas

The departure of Lucas Leiva remains in the balance as Liverpool weight up letting the Brazilian midfielder join Inter Milan for £7m. Inter manager Roberto Mancini wants to bring in Premier League talent and has identified the Reds’ defensive midfielder as a prime target, but it’s believed that Rodgers will want to sign a replacement for the 28-year-old if he is to leave.

TWISTS…

Raheem Sterling’s contract extension talks have been put briefly on hold after the midfielder was allowed to travel to Jamaica. Sterling has been afforded a mid-season holiday as part of an extended break to ensure he doesn’t suffer from burnout throughout the season, and he was absent for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland.